About this course

Learning Objectives

• Define and describe the neurobiological impact of sexual trauma on brain functioning, including specific changes in the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply at least three bottom-up therapeutic techniques in simulated clinical scenarios, providing tailored interventions for individuals with a history of sexual trauma.
• Summarize and explain the legal rights of minors and adults within the clinician’s state of practice, including key considerations related to consent and confidentiality in sexual health services.
• Implement effective strategies for addressing sleep disturbances and trauma-related nightmares, demonstrating proficiency in at least two techniques designed to improve sleep quality and reduce nighttime distress.

Course Instructor(s)

• 

  Renee LaRock-Gary, LMHC

  Licensed Mental Health Counselor

  Renee LaRock-Gary, LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 30 years of experience in the fields of trauma, sexual assault, and interpersonal violence. Before becoming a clinician, she spent a decade serving as Director and Sexual Assault Coordinator for multiple counties in upstate New York, providing direct victim advocacy and collaborating with law enforcement, hospitals, schools, and judicial systems. Through this work, she frequently provided professional training to multidisciplinary audiences.

  Motivated by the number of survivors referred back to her by therapists who felt underprepared to treat sexual trauma, Renee pursued her master’s degree in mental health counseling and specialized trauma training. Her clinical experience includes outpatient therapy, inpatient behavioral health units, and crisis intervention. She has presented professional trainings across New York State and has extensive experience delivering prevention education in schools on topics such as consent, healthy boundaries, and bystander intervention. She also collaborated with SUNY Plattsburgh on a research initiative that helped launch the nation’s first sexual assault texting hotline. Renee’s work focuses on bridging advocacy and clinical practice by equipping professionals with practical, evidence-informed strategies for supporting survivors.

Disclosure